Owner Letter

September, 1995

Mr. John Sample
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345

Serial Number 12345678901234567

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Ford Motor Company has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1992 and 1993 model year Explorers.

Safety Defect
On some of the affected vehicles, the attachments of the brackets connecting the hydraulic lift cylinders to the liftgate may progressively weaken, and eventually a bracket may fully detach from the liftgate. Prior to the complete detachment of a liftgate bracket, a noise such as a popping or groaning sound during opening and closing of the liftgate would likely be noticeable. In addition, several visual indications of a weakening attachment would be apparent from comparison of one bracket with the corresponding bracket on the other side of the liftgate. If the warnings are ignored and the bracket becomes fully detached, the lift cylinder could become displaced from its normal position and the other lift cylinder may not support the liftgate in an open position. Unexpected closing of the liftgate could result in injury to someone in its path.

Warning
Your vehicle should not be driven with its rear liftgate either fully or partially open. Harmful exhaust fumes could enter the passenger compartment if the liftgate were open. Also cargo could fall out. Passengers may be at greater risk of injury, particularly in the event of an accident. Finally, damage to the lift cylinders and attaching hardware may result.

Repairs
At no charge to you, your dealer will install reinforcements to the lift cylinder attaching brackets. Dealers currently have instructions and parts ordering information.

How Long Will It Take?
The time needed for this service is about one hour. However, due to service scheduling times, your dealer may need your vehicle for one full working day.

Call Your Dealer
Call your dealer without delay. Ask for a service date and whether parts are in stock for Safety Recall 95S21.

If your dealer does not have the parts in stock, they can be ordered before scheduling your service date. Parts would be expected to arrive within a week.

When you bring your Explorer in, show the dealer this letter.

If you misplace this letter, your dealer will still do the work, free of charge.

Changed Address or Sold the Explorer?
Please fill out the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us if you have changed your address or sold the Explorer.

If the dealer doesn't make the repair promptly and without charge, you may contact the Ford Customer Assistance Center, 300 Renaissance Center, P.O. Box 43360, Detroit, Michigan 48243. You also may send a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline 1-800-424-9393 (Washington, D.C. area residents may call 366-0123).

We regret the inconvenience this service may cause you, but we want you to have the work done for your safety and satisfaction with your Ford-built Explorer.